Information and commentary on the Seven Deadly Sins, the Seven Heavenly Virtues, and more. Contains history, cultural associations, current thought, and additional reading on both Sin and Virtue. This is the place for info on Pride, Envy, Gluttony, Lust, Anger, Greed, & Sloth.

The Sin of Pride

It was Pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels. - St. Augustine

Sinopsis

The Sin of Pride is said by some to the the foremost of the Seven Deadly Sins. Hubris is the gateway through all other sin enters the mortal soul.

What it is

Pride is excessive belief in one's own abilities, that interferes with the individual's recognition of the grace of God. It has been called the sin from which all others arise. Pride is also known as Vanity.

Why you do it

Well-meaning elementary school teachers told you to "believe in yourself."

Your punishment in Hell will be

You'll be broken on the wheel.

Associated symbols & suchlike

Pride is linked with the horse and the color violet.

Related Resources

Medieval theologian Thomas Aquinas said of Pride "inordinate self-love is the cause of every sin (1,77) ... the root of pride is found to consist in man not being, in some way, subject to God and His rule."

The Travelers' Guide to Hell says thatPride is ruled by the celestial sign of the Sun. It is "the mother of all sins... the thin line between righteousness and self-righteousness." Incidentally, this book actually mentions the Seven Deadly Sins Home page. Right there on page 6!

Of the seven deadly sins, pride is the only one with a virtuous side. It is certainly a good thing to have pride in one's country, in one's community, in oneself. But when taken too far, as Michael Eric Dyson shows in Pride, these virtues become deadly sins.

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Seven Deadly Sins

Information and commentary on the Seven Deadly Sins, the Seven Heavenly Virtues, and more. Learn about the history and cultural associations of the Deadly Sins, peruse further reading and resources, and read the Tales of Sin and Virtue.

Witness the everyday struggle between good and evil in the Tales.

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